SEL Strategies and Tools

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is not based on prescribed curricula; instead it is an approach that reflects a set of teaching strategies and practices that are youth-centered. Here are several general strategies and tools to promote social and emotional learning.

Young people are diverse in their learning styles and needs. It is essential to assess individual learning styles and be flexible in time management to allow for meeting these different needs. Howard Gardner's "Multiple Intelligences" (PDF) provides a framework.

Program activities are more engaging if they are relevant to young people. Identifying and building on young people's individual assets (PDF) and sparks are key strategies.

Use teaching techniques that build on young people's current knowledge and skills, such as scaffolding (PDF). Provide positive and constructive feedback.

Young people need to be active partners in learning. Increase their input and voice through planning and reflection activities. Create meaningful responsibilities and roles for genuine youth engagement throughout programming. Encourage and facilitate young people's shared decision-making through consensus/action planning (PDF).

Resources

Edutopia: How to Teach Math as a Social Activity

In this video, a master math teacher in Anchorage, Alaska establishes a cooperative-learning environment in an upper-elementary classroom. The video demonstrates the principles at work in social learning strategies.

CASEL promotes evidence-based social and emotional learning strategies and programs primarily in school settings. The website contains information about current research, materials for learning activities, and new initiatives.